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Mick backs speechless Davis

By Adam Marshall

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has refused to criticise Kelvin Davis after learning that the keeper lost his voice towards the end of the 1-1 draw with West Brom on Saturday.

The summer signing from Ipswich Town has still to win over some Black Cats supporters after replacing crowd favourite Mart Poom, now with Arsenal, and Thomas Myhre, who did a good job last term.

After a couple of unconvincing moments, including contributing to the almost inevitable defeat to Chelsea last weekend, Davis has attracted more criticism after the Stadium of Light clash with The Baggies.

The 29-year-old was at fault when Ronnie Wallwork was allowed to head goalwards, only for Justin Hoyte to&nbsp;clear off the line. The reprieve was short-lived as Zoltan Gera headed home the resulting corner.

"It's a little bit unfair," protested McCarthy.

"I heard after the game he'd lost his voice and couldn't shout for the ball.

"I thought I'm not convinced about that, I didn't know but he had.

"He couldn't utter a word.

"He couldn't come for the cross that ended up in the net and he couldn't save the header so I think, well not to exonerate him completely, but he's been given a bit of a hard time.

"I had lost Thomas Myhre before the start of the season and Mart Poom was injured so I had to go for a number one goalkeeper.

"Kelvin was the best in The Championship last season, he was fantastic pre-season and, until the last couple of games, he has been great.

"He will save the lads who make mistakes in front of him -&nbsp;week in, week out."